Murphy, who represents East Renfrewshire, is up against Labour MSPs Sarah Boyack and Neil Findlay(Reuters)

Jim Murphy has resigned as Labour's shadow International Development Secretary to concentrate on his Scottish Labour leadership campaign.

The Labour MP had been in the role since last October but recently announced his intentions to head Ed Miliband's party north of the border after Johann Lamont stepped down from the role following the Scottish independence referendum.

Murphy, who represents East Renfrewshire, is up against Labour MSPs Sarah Boyack and Neil Findlay.

But after a strong campaign ahead of the Scottish independence referendum, when the 47-year-old toured 100 towns to fight for the "No" campaign, Murphy is tipped to win the leadership contest.